I am wondering if people are undestimating the possibility of Internet and telecom technology for improving supply chain, cutting costs and make profit better, even in a critical financial condition we are experiencing right now. I could agree with the up/down trend, but I am not 100% convinced corporations are implementing innovation for their internal processes, for example. And it is a matter not stricly related to crisis, it is the way to manage and lead the industry. Maybe positive or negative perspective could be overtaken just by adopting the innovation attitude.
While this most recent round of stats is on the pesimistic side, it could be worse. I do feel that these stats are a little more realistic than some of the more optimistic ones.
mfb: the report does talk a bit about the supply chain's ability to invest in technology to drive better efficiencies. That spending is limited, although there are low-cost alternatives out there such as the cloud. There will be spending in Japan and Thailand as companies rebuild after the disasters.
a couple of new stats to add: TI and Altera both lowered their Q4 expectations--TI in a big way. Here's the link: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ti-updates-fourth-quarter-2011-business-outlook-135273503.html
No doubt this is clearly bad news for Intel in the short run, but this news is blessing in disguise for Intel because it has been trying to build a business in the emerging category of ultrabook computers or ultrathins, which do not use hard drives.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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